London is home to some of the most stunning boutique cinema screens, offered as an alternative to the bustling multiplexes; you can watch the latest Hollywood flick, edgy independent and high-end foreign films. There is no better way to relish the festive season than by catching a film at one of our top five atmospheric cinemas. In no particular order, we have:

The Ritzy, Brixton

Genuine film buffs unite right in the heart of Brixton. City Screen owns the Picturehouse chain and the Ritzy is by far our favourite venue. Hosting regular Q&As, film festivals and themed seasons, the cinema showcases the latest Hollywood films but an integral part of their programming is always centred around independent, art-house and foreign language films. Unconventionally, the café is open from 8am offering a full English breakfast (!) and later in the day, the bar offers a great range of beers and wines starting from around £5. There is certainly a young and buzzy vibe about this place and hanging around post-film is certainly a feasible option – ‘upstairs at The Ritzy’ launched in 2009 and has since been enjoying DJ nights, film quizzes and comedy nights seven nights a week.

Rio Cinema, Dalston

In hipsters paradise, Dalston, the Rio Cinema on Kingsland High Street has been around since 1937 and claims to serve sections of the community who are often ignored by mainstream cinema. It is particularly renowned for ist midweek matinees and kids club. The bourgeois café sells tasty homemade cakes and a good selection of drinks for cheap. The Art Deco architecture is majestic in style and with an eclectic selection of films, the Rio is certainly one of the most iconic screens in London.

The Electric, Notting Hill

Set in the vibrant and iconic Portobello Road in Notting Hill, The Electric is certainly the most glamorous cinema in London. Officially opened in 1911 with 65 individual leather armchairs, footstools and side tables, the exquisite interior will transport you to the 1920s. In addition there are three two-seater sofas at the rear of the theatre and double beds at the front and, to complete your unique cinema experience, there are individual cashmere blankets on offer. With a bar located at the back of the screen, the Electric diner next door and the traditional donut stand by the entrance, ticket prices are not cheap. The Electric is an ideal date location to impress your partner in one of the most romantic and nostalgic settings.

Everyman Cinema, Maida Vale

This two-screen cinema set on a quaint residential street is a stone's throw away from Maida Vale underground station. Opened in 2011, Everyman Maida Vale has the unique balance of being sophisticated as well as exceptionally cosy. You can even have great offerings from the menu delivered right to your seat. The décor is eccentric, plenty of old movie posters on the walls making it an alluring cinema-going experience. We highly recommended going for a pre/post-drink at The Elgin or The Warrington: both are close-by.

Phoenix, East Finchley

On the main high street in East Finchley, across the road from the underground station, you will find a rickety building with bags of character and charm: The Phoenix. This adorable, independent cinema has been around since 1912 where it used to showcase silent films with live music. Since the 1980s, The Phoenix has been a community led cinema, run by a charitable trust dedicated to screening the latest flicks as well as offering an array of independent and foreign films. Another unique feature is the small balcony that overlooks the high street that can be enjoyed when ordering something from the reasonably priced café bar – a fantastic variety of sandwiches, salads and drinks that are not typical of the majority of cinema menus. You can get further discounted prices if you become a Friend of The Phoenix.